Statement By Acting A.G. Underwood And Governor Cuomo On Status Of New York's Opioid Investigations

“We are committed to holding opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the damage they’ve wrought on New York's towns, communities, and families,” Acting AG Barbara Underwood said. “After a lengthy investigation, we are preparing a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for its alleged deception and reckless disregard for the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers. It is clear to us that Purdue profited by deliberately exploiting New Yorkers’ addictions, and by pushing healthcare providers to increase patients’ use and dependence on these potentially fatal drugs. In addition to our impending lawsuit against Purdue, our office will continue to lead the multi-state investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors across the country.”

“In New York, we will not sit idly by as big corporations fuel the opioid epidemic and ignore the consequences of their actions,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “We said we would sue to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors responsible, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. By taking Purdue Pharma to court, we are taking this significant step forward to hold corporations accountable and put an end to the opioid crisis once and for all. Too many innocent lives have been lost and too many families destroyed.”

In September 2017, the New York Attorney General’s office and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general announced a nationwide investigation into major opioid manufacturers and distributors.